Child abuse victims want compensation

CHILD abuse victims say they will continue to protest until the Victorian government recommends a compensation scheme that recognises their suffering and disadvantage.

About a dozen people protested outside the Department of Human Services Melbourne office on Monday, ahead of the outcomes of the Victorian inquiry into the handling of child abuse and sexual assault by religious and other organisations.

Care Leavers Australia Network's Leonie Sheedy says she hopes the inquiry will provide a compensation scheme to recognise the suffering of victims of abuse in orphanages and children's homes.

"The Australian community still are not aware of the brutality, neglect and criminal acts that occurred to children living in government-funded care," Ms Sheedy said.

"These people need financial support to help them get by."

Ms Sheedy says the group will continue to stage protests until compensation is forthcoming.

Many victims lived in poverty and with poor health that could be traced back to the neglect and abuse they suffered as children, she said.

One protester, who did not want to be named, said she had battled with ongoing health problems after years of physical and mental abuse in orphanages across the country.

"We need a redress or compensation for those who were abused and treated badly and acknowledgment from the public and government of the hurt that these people face daily," she said.

The parliamentary inquiry is due to hand its report to the Victorian parliament by November 15.